The Asian Art Museum has installed two monumental Japanese bronze lion sculptures on granite plinths outside the museum’s front entrance on Larkin Street. Recently acquired by the museum through a donation from longtime supporter Marsha Vargas Handley in memory of Raymond G. Handley, the 800 lb. sculptures date to the late nineteenth century and are similar to the majestic guardian lions typically placed opposite each other outside Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

The practice of adorning public buildings with sculptures of lions is a time-honored custom in the US–the New York Public Library and the Art Institute of Chicago are noteworthy examples. The granite plinths outside the Asian Art Museum may well have been intended to support sculptures of lions when the building was originally built in 1916 to serve as the San Francisco Main Public Library. The museum is now following that longstanding tradition–this time with a uniquely Asian spin–giving a sneak peek of the treasures held inside.

The lion on the museum’s south side has its left paw resting on a Buddhist jewel, with an openwork design of sculpted peonies, a flower closely associated with lions. The south lion’s mouth is open, and the north lion’s is closed, symbolizing the sounds and spirit of the Japanese pronunciation of the first and last letters of the Sanskrit alphabet: “A” is pronounced with the mouth open, and “Un” with the mouth closed.

Physical Description: These lions’ enormous size—nearly five feet tall and six feet long— and standing positions are unusual. Paired guardian lions outside shrines today are often shown seated or crouching, and most are made of stone, wood, or, less commonly, ceramic. This pair of large sculptures also stands out in material (bronze). Relatively few bronze guardian lions from before World War II survive, due in part to mandatory metal collections ordered by the Japanese government during the war.

Conservation: The lions have undergone extensive conservation treatment, including repairs to the feet that fasten them to a new, customized base—a strategy of earthquake preparedness. Several layers of protective coating were applied to resist weathering of Ceremonial Unveiling: Details for a forthcoming ceremonial unveiling event will be announced soon.”

See? Kicker Garo Yepremien tried to score a few points but then opposing counsel filed a special motion to strike that was so special that discovery was immediately halted. Then he lost the hearing and that was the end of the suit, it looks like. I’m saying Elisabeth Theriot got pwned in court.

With a quickness.

Which, you know, this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day so that’s why I made a post about it.

But now the world is supposed to end tomorrow ‘n stuff and there’s no Mayan Prophecy “film” to see.

Oh well.

Now, what about San Francisco Examiner President and Publisher Todd Vogt? Do you think he got some sort of request or demand or something from rich Marin County whacko Elisabeth Theriot or the wire service or somebody to take down the wire story on these topics, you know, that used to be posted right here?

Why would the ‘Xam have a page dedicated to rich Marin County whacko Elisabeth Theriot (just look at the URL bar) with nothing to say about her? It’s because the story about her that used to be there is no longer there.
Is there cowardice here?

I’ll tell you, TheWrap.com stood up to rich Marin County whacko Elisabeth Theriot and was/will be rewarded with mandatory attorney fees as a kind of reward.

Now I’ll tell you, when an actual newspaper (improperly, IMO) caves to some rich lady, that just might have the effect of emboldening her. Then she just might start going after poor, defenseless WordPress bloggers.

But maybe I’m way off on this one.

If so, please somebody disabuse me.

* I call it a video because it was (mostly?) recorded on digicams – no film required. The current title of this still-troubled production is Mayan Revelations & Hollywood Lies. It’s delayed. It’s nonsense. Oh what’s that, we’re going to see just how important that Long Count calendar is tout de suite? No we won’t. Sorry. Oh, over the coming decades? No we won’t. Sorry.

[UPDATE 2013: My grandmother, who’s on the wrong side of fifty but the good side of 100, is still driving her new Hyundai around and, bonus, she doesn’t spend any of her hard-earned on SoCal lawyers. And her recent stomach surgery went well, so that’s nice.]

Hey look what’s sitting in my Spam folder right now – it’s a scary letter from a Los Angeles attorney demanding that this blog be retracted.

Now I can understand why the San Francisco Chronicle might not want to get involved with all the allegations surrounding the making of some movie project about the Mayan calendar deal. You know, relationships ‘n stuff. And plus, it’s not like a whole bunch of people are going to watch this flick.

So that’s one thing, but the San Francisco Examiner, did it get a similar letter earlier this year? You make the call. See? Earlier this year it used to have something to say about Elisabeth Thieriot and the Mayan Prophecy and Mexico and whatnot, but not now. Mmmm. Did the San Francisco Examiner take down a Reuters news story on this topic because it was afraid of getting sued? Sure looks that way.

Of course that online trade journal TheWrap did get sued. Forone million dollarsto be exact. But then it responded with a Motion to Strike and that took care of that. And then TheWrap wrote about how it won, big-time. Then I linked to its story (and the entire decision itself) and now it sure looks like I’m the next to get sued.

Comments:

Uh, do I know that this lawyer represented/s that lady? No, not all. I mean, I assume that’s the case, but what’s this “as you know” stuff?

Does the lawyer really want/expect me to retract the entire blog, all 6000 posts? (Does the lawyer actually know what a blog is? Apparently not.)

Does the lawyer want to write my blog posts for me, you know, using his point of view? Sure looks that way. Is that his right? And how can I retract something that’s not wrong?

And I’m supposed to rely on CA law about retractions that apply to the MSM, but not really? So what’s the point of bringing that up?

And I’m “not authorized” by the lawyer to disclose the contents of the lawyer letter so I can’t do it? Really? Well, similarly, I’m not authorized by that lawyer to have a delicious Taco Bell Doritos Locos taco for lunch, so does that mean I can’t have that for lunch IRL? And I can’t show the letter to anybody, even to get help with how to respond? Is that fair dinkum? I think not.

So who else in the bay area has gotten these kinds of communications from Down South? I don’t know.

Anyway, I guess I’ll take that email chain* out of the Spam folder and put it into the Archive folder and await further developments.

But I’ll think to myself, “Man, don’t you realize you just lost, in a big way, on the very same topic in the very same state?”

KTHXBYE.

*Apparently, Elisabeth Thieriot herself sent me an email last month as well, on purpose, or by mistake, or something in betwixt. I’ll tell her what I told my grandmother,** about how Reply All is kind of an advanced email technique best left to the younger generation, you know, so you don’t email people by mistake.

** I still can’t believe she got a Hyundai, after all those decades of her having large RWD Ford products such as the Mercury Grand Marquis. She says her new ride is a “good snow car.”

“A Los Angeles judge threw out a lawsuit against TheWrap News on Wednesday, ruling that an article about movie financier Elisabeth Thieriot was both accurate and “took pains” in reporting on a production dispute with her co-producer. Judge Barbara M. Scheper of Los Angeles Superior Court sided with the news organization in granting an anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss Thieriot’s complaint on the grounds that it had no probability of success on its merits.”

But first, a little background. It seems the world will end on December 21, 2012:

“The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on 21 December 2012.This date is regarded as the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae have been proposed as pertaining to this date, though none have been accepted by mainstream scholarship. A New Age interpretation of this transition is that this date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era. Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, or Earth’s collision with an object such as a black hole, a passing asteroid, or a planet called “Nibiru“.

OK fine.

Area whacko Elisabeth Thieriot is working on, in her words, “saving humanity” so you gots to listen to her.

(Especially when UHF Channel 36 cuts into a Friends rerun on a Sunday afternoon.)

Deets below.

And please remember, you only have 144 days left before you’re going to have to KYAG:

“It’s A Red Carpet Life…” Features Exclusive Interviews on “Decoding B’aqtun” – Host interviews Head Elder of the Mayan Council and film executive producer & financier Elisabeth Thieriot

SAN FRANCISCO, July 27, 2012 — MBL Media Productions, an Emmy Award-winning, full-service film and video production company, is proud to announce the premiere of “It’s A Red Carpet Life…The Mayan Prophecy,” where host Marybeth La Motte will discuss the concept and production process behind the filming of “Decoding B’aqtun.” The documentary, filmed in Guatemala in April 2012, uncovers rarely seen Mayan artifacts from the sites of Tikal and Quirigua, Guatemala.

In the episode airing this Sunday, July 29, at 5:25pm PDT on KICU TV36 (directly after “FRIENDS”), La Motte interviews the Head Elder of the Mayan Council, Apolinario Chile Pixtun, and Elisabeth Thieriot, President, Elicosma Productions and also the film’s financier and executive producer. “We encourage viewers to tune in and find out about ‘Decoding B’aqtun,'” La Motte shares. “The unique opportunity to learn more about the Mayan calendar and culture has been a rewarding experience for our team and we can’t wait to share the insight with our audience.”

In his interview with La Motte, Pixtun explains why the Mayan culture designed its calendar thousands of years ago and how it holds true today. He also recaps the development of a substantial friendship with Thieriot and his respect for her concentrated effort in the face of adversity throughout production.

In the second half of the interview, Thieriot explains the Mayan prophecies of 2012, clarifies what society has achieved in the last 5000 years, and gives a sneak peek into what the movie discloses about the Mayan calendar. She also candidly discusses production hurdles and surviving false accusations and blackmail from a previous film’s production in Mexico.

For more information on “It’s A Red Carpet Life…,” please visit: www.redcarpetsf.com, or call MBL Media

“It’s A Red Carpet Life…” is the most recent addition to the KICU network’s primetime entertainment and news lineup. Pioneered by Marybeth La Motte, host of “Red Carpet Bay Area” and founder of MBL Media Productions, the five-minute spotlight is shined on select individuals during brief interviews where a wide variety of topics are discussed. Whether it’s the mysteries of the Mayans, luxurious getaways, business tips, or even advice for marketing oneself in front of the camera, “It’s A Red Carpet Life…” covers all of the San Francisco Bay Area’s latest entertainment news.

About MBL Media Productions

MBL Media Productions is an Emmy Award winning, full-service film and video production company specializing in the unique needs of events, the fashion and luxury sectors. Host Marybeth La Motte capturing interviews of runway shows and special events, and integrates clients’ editorial material into enticing online and television formats.

“Elisabeth Thieriot is a prominent San Francisco Philanthropist and founder of Seasons San Francisco, a lifestyle company promoting natural beauty through healthy skin, diet and seasonal living. The philosophy of Elisabeth Thieriot is based on the universal law of cycles, macrobiotics, and living water, body type consumption, healing botanicals and being aware of the environment. This philosophy, along with the proper care and feeding of the body and the skin, sleep, healthy living and awareness of the seasons and their transitions will bring out the natural beauty and vitality that we possess. It removes illness and allows the body to do its work for physical, mental and emotional health. Beauty is not skin deep, it comes from within which is dependent on our attitude, what we eat, what we put on our skin, what we come into contact with and our physical activity. Attention to these things is what creates timeless, ageless longevity and truly represents the fountain of youth.”

All right, here it is, the best Bay Area-related press release so far for 2012:

SAN FRANCISCO, July 10, 2012 — Elisabeth Thieriot, a San Francisco-based business woman, co-founder of PhoneCharge, Inc, philanthropist and author of Be Fabulous at Any Age hosted a questions and answers session for the Head Elder of the Mayan Council, Apolinario Chile Pixtun, on June 27th for friends and media at her home, Lions Gate in Tiburon, CA.

“I always enjoy coming to Elisabeth’s house because she is a gracious host and has a warm heart,” says guest, Sudha Pennathur. “It’s even more of a pleasure to be invited to Lions Gate and get the rare chance to meet Apolinario to learn about the Mayan culture and her [Thieriot’s] film that has been a big part of her life this year.”

Guests sipped wine and savory hors d’ouerves, while Thieriot and Pixtun answered questions one by one from guests and media. Question topics ranged from the Mayan culture and the calendar, to the upcoming movie “Decoding B’aqtun.” Guests represented a wide range of backgrounds, from the Catholic Church, a Cryptologist, an Indian jewelry designer, a Guatemalan female empowerment advocate and more.

Pixtun clutched his Mayan spiritual guidance stick while explaining spirituality in the Mayan culture and the meaning of this b’aqtun in particular. He also discussed the film, “Decoding B’aqtun,” and the pleasure of working with Thieriot.

“[Working] with Elisabeth was different. It is a different work relationship. It is a different way of seeing life,” Pixtun explained. “Working with her is good and especially working on a project that will save humanity.”

Thieriot and Pixtun worked well together and bonded in a strong friendship during production. This is why Pixtun made a stop to Thieriot’s house on his U.S.A. tour of hosting various Mayan conferences.

The film is a guide to the secret of how to live a fulfilled life through spirituality by the Mayan example. While Pixtun explained the Mayan culture, there is more to be revealed that the film touches on. “Decoding B’aqtun” is scheduled to come out at the end of 2012.

To watch the interview of Thieriot and Pixtun, respectively, as well as highlights from the question and answer session, tune in on July 29 at 5:25 p.m. to “It’s a Red Carpet Life…” Red Carpet Bay Area’s summer shorts on KICU TV36 and re-watch the segment with additional photos here.

About Apolinario Chile PixtunApolinario Chile Pixtun is the Head Elder of the Mayan Council. He is a spiritual guide. He carries the wisdom of his Mayan ancestors and passes it on to generations. He travels around the world to hold Mayan conferences and speak about the calendar.

About Elisabeth ThieriotElisabeth Thieriot is a San Francisco-based business woman, co-founder of PhoneCharge, Inc, philanthropist and author of Be Fabulous at Any Age. She executive produced and financed the movie “Decoding B’aqtun.”

About “Decoding B’aqtun”The film does not yet have a debut date. Shot in Guatemala, the film uncovers previously seen Mayan artifacts from the sites of Tikal and Quirigua, Guatemala. It takes its audience on a journey to discover the optimum quality of life through the Mayan prophecies and example.

This year, the San Francisco Zoo is taking “The 12 Days of Christmas” literally by enriching its animals with special holiday treats designed to encourage naturalistic behaviors. Each day between December 14 and December 25, at 2 p.m., a different animal will receive a holiday surprise. Check out the list below and make plans to see your favorite animal rummage, forage, play with and enjoy their holiday gifts.

Reindeer Romp returns with your favorite reindeer friends. These four, wonderful animals mark the return of the holidays here at the Zoo and will be on exhibit every day starting November 19 through New Year’s Day. Stop by and check out the “real” story behind these amazing creatures and you just might learn a thing or two about why they are so special.

“Green” Holiday Skating Rink – Nov 5, 2011 – Jan 08, 2012

Weekdays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Weekends & Holidays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This holiday season, take a spin on our brand new, environmentally friendly, synthetic skating rink made of recycled materials. It’s just as much fun as being on real ice! This eco-friendly skating rink will feel like the real thing but slightly slower – like skating on a frozen pond but without the need to bundle up. Great for beginners and kids wanting to get their feet wet, without getting their feet wet. Come give it a try now through New Year’s Day. Cost (includes skates): $5 per person

Holiday Discounts & Activities

Make a difference not just for the animals, but for our community too during this holiday season. Check out the following donation opportunities and discounts for you and your family.

San Francisco Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive Dec 17, 2011 – Dec 18, 2011

Drop by the Zoo with an unwrapped toy, valued at $5 or more, and donate it to the San Francisco Fire Fighter’s Toy Program to receive one free kid’s pass. Plus, get an inside look at a vintage fire engine and take your photo with Santa ($5 suggested donation.) Limit one pass per family.”